My son was born with Down's Syndrome, and miraculously survived open heart surgery at 8 mos old. It was also a miracle that he survived his first 8 months. He did very well in spite of other diagnoses thru the years, but at 10 years old was diagnosed with an autoimmune thyroid. He was able to complain and tell me his legs hurt, and I had also noticed through several weeks that he was thinner than the norm for him, thinking this was just his hereditary genes. However with dark circles under his big brown eyes, I became more concerned. So off to the doctor we go. Roughly a year later at 11 years old, and while getting ready for church one Sunday, Justin helped himself to 8 donuts setting on the table. This was not like him, but I thought he must have been extra hungry. Still through the day, I noticed something was off with him and decided to take him to the doctor on Monday. It didn't dawn on me until we were on our way that he possibly had diabetes as he had an unquenchable thirst. Having given him milk, juice, and water, before leaving the house, and he guzzled down on our way. A red light went off, and I felt so dumb at that moment. I did think he was coming down with strep as I also noticed a medicine type smell from his breath...then a rash was forming in and around his mouth. This was from ketoacidosis onset. We were immediately sent to a children's hospital where diabetes was comfirmed with a blood glucose level of around 600. He is now 26 years old and doing very well. It may be a bit easier for me in that I am the one that monitors his diet and insulin levels very tightly. Mostly, I just feel this special young man has a very special guardian angel. He has never had one seizure, and didn't go into one when diagnosed.

Anonymous
Gurnee, IL